Once, a Bird

by Rina Singh, Nathalie Dion (Illustrator)

Key Selling Points


A small bird has a big impact in this story of looking beyond ourselves and reconnecting with nature.
This wordless story offers a hopeful contemplation on the rhythms of nature and the importance of connection in the face of disruption and isolation.
Birders and budding birders will enjoy observing the behaviors of the American robin as she sings her early morning song, gathers materials to build a nest and tends to her chicks.
Nathalie Dion's subtle illustrations carry readers through this wordless journey of finding connection after solitude.
The author was inspired to write this story on a solitary walk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Nature, Animals, Childrens

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2023

About the author

RINA SINGH was born in India and immigrated to Canada in 1980. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Concordia University and a teaching degree from McGill University. Before moving from Montreal to Toronto, she taught creative writing to gifted children. She has since written several critically acclaimed books for children. Her book A Forest of Stories has been translated into several languages, her poems and short stories have appeared in several Canadian literary journals, and she has exhibited photography in many Toronto galleries. Rina Singh teaches art and drama in Toronto, where she lives with her restaurateur husband and their two children.

Reviews

[Star Gater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Published: 09/12/23

Thank you NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for accepting my request to read and review Once, a Bird.

Umm. This reads like a short film. It is illustrations only. They are nice.

The overall experience has left me stymied. There are no words or direction.

It's a pretty flip through picture book that I cannot imagine a child be interested in.

[Genesee Rickel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered what life would be like from a bird's perspective, this book has the answer. The absence of words helps distractions to fall away, allowing the reader to engage thoughtfully with each image and really sink into the bird's progression through the seasons. I liked how it depicts an urban setting interacting with nature.

"Artwork created using a combination of watercolor and gouache, finished by cleaning, cutting, shaping and transforming in Photoshop."

[Cara Ruegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really beautiful illustrations. I liked some of the looking-through-the-window perspectives. I think it would be a good book to have a physical copy of, and talk over with a young child. I'm not sure how I feel about no words at all though. I feel I would've liked at least some poetry or little story on the pages maybe told from the POV of the bird.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely lovely. It’s a mostly wordless story, told in vignettes, small moments, and gorgeous art. The book sets up the story at the beginning, to help the reader understand where the story will go: The story follows a bird that is trying to find a place to build its nest. It finds a tree near an apartment building whose residents stay inside. But they start listening to the bird’s songs. And through that, the people find hope.

I found that the book was about how we can slow down and look to nature to remember to enjoy life and find beauty.

For me, the best part of this book was the art - there are some very charming images of the bird singing or making its nest. The bird has a lot of character and personality. And it’s heartwarming. I love that you could read this book silently for the art or find your own story in it.

[wordjellyreview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once A Bird, by Rina Singh, illustrated by Nathalie Dion is a wordless picture book, which lends its readers the freedom to creatively imagine the lines, the words and the thoughts. This beautifully illustrated book without any words, very vividly delves into how a bird explores a new town and neighborhood to make it a home.
Adjusting to life changes can be challenging, the book, once a bird gives away a colossal thought that seasons will change, but life should move on.
The book gives its readers a chance to transcribe their own thoughts, as they watch the little bird set up his new home yet again. This book gives its readers a chance to connect with the bird, and in turn relate to the nature and the natural world around us, to look for inspiration in times of contemplation.
Its a great addition to libraries and the book shelves as it will spark creativity.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, of all the bad covid books there have been, this starts to make up for some of them. I still don't think it's that great at all. A robin flies around an empty world, and when it lands and makes a home in a tree outside some flats, and sings its little heart out, it finds the humans within all loving and adoring its presence. The odd thing, however, is that this is a bird singular – there is never a second one to actually make the nest come to life the way it does. Heightening lockdown's visual appearance to show an apocalyptically empty world, and then having people walking out and about when the chicks are fledging, is a very cheesy aspect to the book, too. But the biggest issue here would be my doubts as to whether the very young audience would (a) get and (b) enjoy this. Yes, it looks wonderful, but that isn't everything.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up.

This wordless picture book has gentle, soft illustrations. The bird flies around above empty streets and empty places, and after it lands in a tree, homebound people see it through their windows. This is evidently about the pandemic, but the depiction of completely empty highways and completely abandoned public places still isn't really accurate, and there's no real story, message, or point.

The illustrations are really pretty, and this book may help people process their pandemic experiences, thinking about the way that nature was extra meaningful to them while they were in lockdown. Still, this doesn't make much sense as a children's picture book, and there needed to be more of an actual story for me to rate this higher.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[trop_de_livres · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! “Once, a Bird” by Rina Singh and Nathalie Dion is a wordless picture book for children that adults will also love. We follow a little robin as it flies across different landscapes, finally settling in a tree outside an apartment building to build its nest. The people in the building become very interested in it, and this brings them out into nature. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, simple and yet detailed enough to keep small children busy looking. The people in the building reflect our world in their diversity so that children of all skin colors will see themselves in this story. Adults will enjoy turning the pages as they share this tale with children, one which can be created together due to the wordless pages.

Thank you NetGalley and orcabook for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy Overcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover art. I discovered later that it is a wordless picture book. Imagined by Rina Singh and illustrated by Nathalie Dion, "Once, A Bird," is a story told in pictures about a bird who finds herself in the quiet of a cold, post-winter season. Through their windows, residents of an apartment building lovingly observe her as she settles in a tree near their building to build her nest in the spring.

My favorite pictures in the book are the ending double-page spread of the bird and her fledglings being watched by the residents as they are flying over the busy apartment building, the tree she used still in view to the side.

The endnotes tell of the "artwork created using watercolor and gouache, finished by cleaning, cutting, shaping and transforming in Photoshop."

Kudos to the collaborators of this beautiful book.

[Luciana Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful wordless book will take you on a journey via the flight of a pesky robin. Robin emerges from winter to find every usual place - the park, the playground, the roads - empty. The book clearly is set during the covid 19 lockdowns but it's a subtle reference. The residents of an apartment building all find joy and connection through watching the pesky bird, as it builds a nest little by little preparing for the arrival of something new. As the eggs hatch, so are the residents that are finally able to leave the building. The soft hued illustrations really help to carry this wordless story that has the feel of a classic.

[Zoe Kaylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once, a Bird is a very sweet no-words picture book for ages 3-5. Because this has no words, this is better either as solo reading for a child or an opportunity for solo/collaborate storytelling with the parent or child. I struggled a little bit reading it to my 2-year old as I'm not the most imaginative storyteller, but the art is great, and I would enjoy reading/telling it together when he's a little older and would recommend for the intended age range.

Thanks to Orca Book Publishers and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Copp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, oh, oh! Once, a Bird is an exquisite wordless picture book by Rina Singh and illustrated by Nathalie Dion. A small bird, going about her business through the seasons, offers observers in the story - and readers - a quiet contemplation. Conceived of during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people were isolated and alone, this book connects, not just with our places of solitude but also our connection with the natural world. What a beacon of hope this little robin carries for us. And how lovely, it is to silently read each beautiful, soft, reassuring illustration.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wordless picture book shows how nature brings us together and provides hope and inspiration. The basic story isn't really anything new under the sun, though I see that it's meant to be set during COVID lockdown so I guess it is somewhat notable in that setting. In the story, the robin flies to a branch outside the window of an apartment building, builds a nest, lays eggs, and raises chicks while the residents of the apartment building watch with joy and awe. This sweet little robin has such a great personality without being too cartoony.

[Rebecca Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once, a Bird by by Rina Singh and Nathalie Dion (Orca Book Publishers, September 2023) is a gorgeously illustrated wordless picture book that takes readers on a journey through the eyes of a bird in search of a place to settle and build a nest. The watercolor and gouache illustrations capture the bird’s perspective as it observes a town from above.

However, I couldn’t help but feel a little lost in terms of finding a cohesive story. The initial scenes inexplicably lack cars, people, or action as the bird looks down from the sky. While the bird eventually finds a tree outside an apartment building for nest-building, the interactions with the residents felt limited. Some people watch the bird build a nest, others enjoy its song, and children pass by the tree, witnessing the bird’s journey from hatching eggs to teaching them to fly.

Although Once, a Bird falls short in terms of character development and a compelling storyline, its strongest aspect lies in its visually captivating illustrations. The artwork beautifully portrays the bird’s flight and its eventual nesting spot, as well as the joy the building’s occupants find in listening to the bird’s song. While I hoped for more depth and engagement from the narrative, the book’s artistic presentation is undeniably its standout feature.

While it may not have a pressing storyline, as a wordless book, Once, A Bird encourages children to create their own narratives as they observe each page. They can explore the sounds, feelings, and perspectives that each of the images evoke. Thought it may not be an ideal material for a read aloud, it has the potential to inspire children in their own storytelling endeavors. Teachers or homeschool parents may want to consider using Once, A Bird as an elementary-level writing prompt.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance review copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter is just turning to spring as a bird wings its way above town. The streets, playgrounds, and parks are all empty until a lovely song warbled by our feathered friend reminds everyone that it's time to venture outside.

This is a lovely wordless picture book, with gorgeous illustrations.

What a beautiful look at man's connections with nature, and the hope for better days.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for sharing this one.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful gem of a book that, without words, shares a relatable story for those children who have been stuck at home due to illness or are still coping with the effects of lockdowns. Detailed, gorgeous illustrations make the story pleasing to the eye and the pacing is easy to follow. Good to start SEL conversations or elicit empathetic responses from children. A great addition for any lower grades classroom and/or school library.

[Alissa Manning-Telisak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shared this book with my class of 3rd graders. They have never "read" a wordless picture book, so they found it challenging. After explaining the "why" of it, their minds opened up and they had an easier time visualizing text. We agreed the the illustrations are great and it was neat how things slowly changed over time. They also said this would be a great book for beginning readers because they could "read" it.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations bring this timely wordless story to life. As winter ends, a bird goes looking for a place to build a home. The world is still. Usually crowded places are empty. No one is around. The bird finds an empty tree near an apartment building to build a nest. At first, the blinds are drawn on almost every apartment, but soon the bird's song brings the community together. A quiet book that allows readers to make their own meaning in a powerful way.

[Nohra Bernal]

Hmm, in real life (the author’s focus according to her biography in the back-matter) baby birds require the participation of the male bird. We’ve all seen robins, and we know that both male and female birds work together to make the nest, make the babies and take care of them. The Robin female is not a single mom. This is a very unrealistic depiction of nature, which seems to be the author’s aim.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing silent picture book of twenty pages with a canvas traditional style art that we can actually hear. That first intro as a double page sets the mood, and I spent a few moments looking at it as a gift. The community depicted on these pages is also awakened to nature by this little bird.
Amazing project.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book without words — I love these books for the way they give the reader a chance, an opportunity to interact with the book by using their own imagination.

We get a bird’s eye view of the world and the illustrations make it so peaceful to look at and I felt really settled in the reading experience.

[Terra Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a simple, yet wonderfully illustrated tale of a bird just seeking a place to rest and coming to develop such a connection with the community she happened to find herself in. No words needed to be said to express just what was going on, it was easy to see the growing bond amongst humans and nature and how, despite how different our lives may seem, we can all seek comfort among one another.

[marcymariereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and wonderfully illustrated book. I read this with my daughter and we had fun creating our own story, since it’s wordless. We read it once just looking at the pages and then discussed what we thought the people and the bird was thinking. Great book to read as a family! Thank you, NetGalley + Orca Book Publishers for an ARC of this book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Once, a Bird' by Rina Singh and Nathalie Dion prove that not all stories need words. Page after page of beutiful illustrations share the story of a robin looking for a suitable place to nest. Pre-readers and parents will love to explore the pages together. And, for those of us lucky enough to have robins as frequent visitors, it is a gentle reminder to slow down and watch them work. Lovely.

[Christine Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I'm always looking for wordless books with simple and complex themes for my English-language-learners and reluctant readers. This book hits the nail on the head! It's perfect for encouraging kids to tell their own story, for noticing details, and for developing big ideas with evidence from the text... all without words! Big impact for a small book. Highly recommend!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully-illustrated, wordless picture book about a robin's long migration home, and how the sight and sound of the first robin of spring brings together a disparate group of people in a city apartment building. Great message about stopping to pay attention to the wonders of the world around us.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this wordless story, a robin teaches humans how to go with the flow, build one’s nest with care, nurture one’s young, and sing with joy and praise for the blessing of life. Muted illustrations seem a bit dull, however, and could have been rendered in a more colorful way to match the cheerfulness of the robin’s message.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm normally not into wordless books, but this book is gorgeous. The illustrations are so colorful and detailed. If you are a fan of this type of book, I highly recommend this one.

[Kris Reguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heartwarming story told only through stunning illustrations. A wordless story that could be used in so many ways in the homeschool or classroom and storytelling settings. With some text before the story to help adults ;)

[Jennifer H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it doesn’t have words, I found this book to be very moving. It tells a story, even without text. The illustrations are beautiful. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this title.

4.5/5, rounded up to 5